• 04
  • June
    2010

Sandra Bullock might be a Hollywood starlet, but she will not be participating in a Hollywood divorce. The 2009 Oscar winner filed divorce papers in Texas in April in order to end her marriage to celebrity Jesse James.

Bullock didn't just choose to file papers in Texas out of the blue. She and James actually had created a life in the state; Bullock owns multiple businesses in Austin and reportedly refers to Texas as where she feels most at "home." But Sandra likely had other more legally savvy reasons to file for divorce here rather than in California.

As you likely know by now, mere days after Bullock won her Academy Award for best actress, gossip surrounding her husband James' infidelity began to spread. No sooner had the gossip begun to spread than the rumors were confirmed. When once "Bombshell McGee" were words the majority of the U.S, had never strung together, now many recognize them as the name of Jesse James' tattooed, buxom mistress.

While it is difficult to find an upside to marital infidelity, in the case of Bullock filing for divorce in Texas, James' infidelity can be taken into account during the legal proceedings in order to benefit Bullock. Texas differs from California when it comes to the division of assets upon divorce. Whereas California generally splits marital property in half, Texas takes a more critical approach when dividing assets.

Bullock being on the wronged side of marital infidelity puts her in an advantageous position in a Texas divorce. However, based on reported comments made by James, it sounds as though he would not put up much of a fight in this divorce anyway. He has publically apologized for hurting Bullock, expressed shame and seems to want to do what it takes to make Bullock happy at this point, which means granting her a divorce.

Another benefit of divorcing through Texas is that the legal details of what is likely to be an uncontested divorce can be kept private according to state laws.  

Resource

Sandra Bullock Files for Divorce